2016 Bracketology Picks & Predictions: Midwest Region Odds, Predictions and NCAA Bracket Projections

2016 Bracketology Picks & Predictions – Midwest Region Odds, Predictions and NCAA Bracket Projections: The Midwest Region of the 2016 NCAA Tournament Bracket appears to be one of the kinder regions for the top seeds. Powerhouses Virginia and Michigan State claimed the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, but after those teams, the Midwest Region is littered with teams that lack consistency. Granted, no region is ever a cake walk, but the Midwest seems like the safest bet to feature a No. 1 versus No. 2 showdown in the Elite Eight.

NCAA Midwest Bracket Favorites to Make the Final Four

Virginia: Virginia has experience, a go-to scorer in Malcolm Brogdon and the second-best scoring defense in the country. They control the pace of games as well as any team around, and even when they lose, their opponent is forced to play at Virginia’s style. All seven of the Cavaliers’ losses have come by seven points or less, with five coming by four points or less. Virginia’s tendency to be involved in close games can burn them at times, but there is no team in the field that is going to be able to overwhelm Virginia.

Michigan State: As is always the case with a Tom Izzo-coached team, the Spartans are hitting their stride heading into March. They have won nine games in a row, and led by triple-double machine Denzel Valentine and sharpshooter Bryn Forbes, Michigan State has become one of the most complete teams in the country. The Spartans rank 26th in scoring, first in assists, sixth in rebounding and 17th in points allowed. Izzo always seems to be able to turn good teams into great one in March, and this year’s group is one of his best squads in recent memory.

NCAA Midwest Bracket Upset Specials

Fresno State over Utah: While the Utes enter the NCAA Tournament fresh off another ugly loss to Oregon, the Bulldogs roll into March Madness riding a nine-game winning streak. Fresno State is led by dynamic guard Marvelle Harris, and the senior is averaging 20.6 points, 4.4 assists and 2.2 steals, so he can take over a game in multiple ways. Meanwhile, the Utes haven’t exactly dominated top competition, losing to Oregon State, Miami and California in addition to their losses to Oregon. Harris and company could ride their momentum to an upside win.

Butler over Texas Tech: It has been a rollercoaster ride for the eighth-seeded Red Raiders, and after a surprise loss to TCU in their opening game in the Big 12 tournament, they could be headed for another rough patch at the worst possible time. Granted, the Bulldogs have been equally inconsistent, but they have a big advantage on the offensive end in this matchup, so the Red Raiders aren’t likely to exploit Butler’s defensive lapses. Look for the ninth-seeded Bulldogs’ offensive firepower to rule the day.

NCAA Midwest Bracket High Seed on Alert

Iowa State: Led by versatile forward Georges Niang, the Cyclones come armed with an explosive offense that ranks in the top 15 nationally in points per game. Unfortunately, they are absolutely atrocious defensively, ranking 257th in points allowed. Yes, scoring a lot and playing at a fast pace naturally leads to allowing more points, but Iowa State is at a point where its offense has to be firing on all cylinders simply to compensate for its porous defense. A Round of 64 matchup against a high-scoring Iona team is a dangerous, and the road doesn’t get an easier from there.

NCAA Midwest Bracket PREDICTION: Michigan State Spartans

You can get expert 2016 March Madness picks and 2016 March Madness predictions this month from NSAwins.com’s top handicappers plus a pre-filled downloadable and printable 2016 March Madness Bracket to help you win your office pool!